SportPesa Scoops the Coveted Top Taxpayers’ Award

The giant gaming company in Kenya, SportPesa, has received the top taxpayers’ honor for the third year in a row in recognition of its immense contribution to the economy.

Speaking during a courtesy call at SportPesa offices in Nairobi today, Kenya Revenue Authority’s representative Emma Mwambia said the company has been very compliant in remitting its taxes.

“We want to thank and appreciate you for the role you play in the economy. It is our hope that you continue to grow,” said Mwambia.

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri affirmed the firm’s commitment to the Kenyan market adding that he is open to talks on a fair tax policy.

“We are delighted to receive this recognition for the third consecutive time, given that we are only four years old yet we have managed to make a positive contribution to the economy,” Karauri said.

SportPesa is among 10 companies to be honored by KRA under the Medium TaxPayers category which has nearly 4,000 organizations. The achievement is for tax compliance during the 2017/2018 period.

The KRA’s Medium Taxpayers Office was established in November 2010 to serve the needs of mid-income organizations and to improve compliance rate of these entities by addressing their unique needs.

SportPesa, a key investor in the local sports industry, had to reluctantly cancel sponsorships at the beginning of this year due to a heavy tax burden following the implementation of the 35 percent tax on gross gaming revenue.

The company which was previously paying 7.5 percent as gaming tax has fully complied with the changes even as it pursues dialogue over the new policy.